CSIR-UGC NET / JRF / Ph.D. (Physical Sciences) is a single, three-hour computer-based paper of 200 marks. The pattern and syllabus below are taken from the 2025 NTA-CSIR notification and the official HRDG syllabus .
1. Exam pattern (valid for JRF & Lectureship / Ph.D. admission)
| Section | Total Ques. | Ques. to attempt | Marks / correct | Max. marks | -25% negative* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (General Aptitude) | 20 | 15 | 2 | 30 | –0.5 each |
| Part B (Core Physics – conceptual) | 25 | 20 | 3.5 | 70 | –0.875 each |
| Part C (Advanced & analytical) | 30 | 20 | 5 | 100 | –1.25 each |
| Total | 75 | 55 | — | 200 | — |
*25% of the question’s value is deducted for every wrong answer in all three parts.
Key features
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Duration – 3 hours (180 min); mode – Computer-Based MCQ.
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Medium – English & Hindi; choose on the day of the test.
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Attempt sequence is free; you may switch between sections.
2. Syllabus outline
The physical-science syllabus is split exactly the way marks are distributed: general aptitude (Part A), core (Part B) and advanced (Part C). Units are identical in B & C; Part C demands deeper, problem-solving treatment.
Part A – General aptitude (common to all subjects)
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Numerical ability and quantitative comparison
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Graphical analysis & data interpretation
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Logical, analytical & spatial reasoning
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Basic statistics; research methodology
Part B – Core topics (concept-based questions)
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Mathematical methods of physics (vector calculus, complex analysis, ODE/PDE, tensors)
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Classical mechanics (Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formalisms, small oscillations)
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Electromagnetic theory (Maxwell equations, wave guides, radiation)
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Quantum mechanics (Schrödinger, angular momentum, perturbation)
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Thermodynamics & statistical physics (ensembles, quantum statistics)
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Electronics & experimental methods (analog/digital electronics, error analysis, particle detectors)
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Data interpretation & analysis (least-square fitting, uncertainty propagation)
Part C – Advanced / application-level topics (research-oriented problems)
8. Mathematical, classical, EM, quantum and statistical physics at a deeper level (same units 1-6 above but multi-step, integrative problems)
9. Atomic & molecular physics (LS/ jj coupling, spectra, LASER basics)
10. Condensed-matter physics (crystal structure, band theory, superconductivity)
11. Nuclear & particle physics (nuclear models, reactions, quark structure, conservation laws)
(The official HRDG PDF gives the same unit titles; only their depth separates Parts B & C).
3. Weightage for JRF vs. Lectureship
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A single paper serves both; JRF cut-off is ~5–8% higher than LS.
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Age limits: JRF ≤ 30 y (relaxations as per norms); no upper age for LS.
4. Preparation pointers
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Solve ≥ 5 previous years’ papers to master Part C’s multi-concept numericals.
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Keep a 60-minute daily slot for Part A practice—often the tie-breaker.
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Make a one-page formula sheet for each core unit (helps rapid revision).
